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NEW YORK (CP) - Yanic Perreault, who didn't have a team when the season started, will be joining the NHL's best at the Jan. 24 all-star game in Dallas.

The 35-year-old Phoenix Coyotes centre, whose clutch goals have helped turn around his team's season, signed a US$700,000, one-year deal Oct. 29 and didn't look back, putting up 14 goals and 11 assists in 31 games before taking on San Jose Saturday night.

It's the first career all-star nomination for the native of Sherbrooke, Que.

"It's a nice surprise," Perreault told The Canadian Press from Phoenix. "I've really been focused on our team trying to get back in the playoff race, but obviously it's going to be a great experience for me and my family."

"I didn't expect this at all. It's the first time for me and I'll enjoy every minute of it for sure."

Veteran winger Teemu Selanne of the Anaheim Ducks joined Perreault among the Western Conference all-stars named by the league Saturday. Selanne will be playing in his 10th career all-star game. The Finnish Flash had 57 points (28-29) before Saturday night's game against Colorado, eighth among NHL scorers and tops in the Western Conference.

The hometown fans in Dallas will have two of their own in the all-star game, goaltender Marty Turco, who will be appearing in his third all-star game, and defenceman Philippe Boucher, a first-time selection.

Jagr, the New York Rangers captain, won't be making the trip despite being tied for fifth in the league with 58 points entering play Saturday. The nine-time all-star has been slow to regain strength in his left shoulder following off-season surgery, and will instead use the week off to rehab, and rest an aching hip - at the request of the Rangers.

"We talked about it that it would be better for me not to go," Jagr said.